20 Best Superman TV Episodes Of All Time

1. "The Late Mr. Kent" - Superman: The Animated Series

Superman Lois Clark
Warner Bros.

In all of Superman's seemingly unlimited appearances on television, "The Late Mr. Kent" is an easy choice for his finest hour.

One-part murder mystery, one-part superhero adventure story, "The Late Mr. Kent" is a tour-de-force from a crew that was firing on all cylinders. Featuring amazing vocal performances, a suitably moody soundtrack and incredible animation, this episode dives deep into the dangers of having a secret identity.

After having his alter-ego compromised, Superman embarks on a quest to not only restore his own personal status quo, but to free an innocent man from death row. It's a decidedly mature and complex tale for a kid's cartoon, exploring things like death and police corruption.

The film noir story unfolds at a pitch-perfect pace, with each new scene unravelling a new mystery to ponder, while also adding some extra depth to Superman's relationship with Lois. Through his alter-ego, Superman discovers that Lois truly does care for and respect Clark. It's a lovely scene, with deft performances from Tim Daly and Dana Delany.

"The Late Mr. Kent" is the perfect kind of Superman story. It incorporates both Superman and Clark into the narrative effortlessly, allowing us to see him through a few different lenses and allow him as a character to understand his world a little bit more.

Watch Next


DC Quiz: How Well Do You ACTUALLY Know Superman?

Superman DC Rebirth
Warner Bros.

1. How Many Basic Types Of Krytponite Are There?

11

1

5

3

Contributor
Contributor

Writer, game developer, intersectional feminist.